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The 600 million adolescent girls in the world have infinite potential, but they need support to realize it. To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, we go behind the scenes with six young women - a dancer, an educator, a future leader, an adviser and an advocate-  who are working with the United Nations Population Fund () to make a difference or benefiting from those initiatives, inspiring hope for us all.

Despite progress, 122 million girls remain out of school, inspiring a video for the 2024 International Day of the Girl.

A year has passed since war erupted in Gaza, causing immense suffering, especially for women and girls. More than 41,600 people have been killed, and 96,000 injured, so far, with most of those killed women and children. Palestinian women and girls from Gaza have reportedly been subjected to horrific levels of sexual violence, including while in detention. The United Nations Population Fund () looked back at the immense challenges faced by women and girls over the past 12 months.

Thuraya (85), Kholoud (28), and Leen (14) reflect the profound pain and , shaped by displacement and conflict across generations, highlighting their strength amid ongoing suffering.

The consequences of crises disproportionately affect women. Even though most combatants are male, over two-thirds of civilians killed in conflict are women and children. Women and girls also make up the majority of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. However, male-dominated fighting forces and majority-male policymakers often lead peacebuilding processes. What role do women and young people play in promoting peace, and how does the United Nations Population Fund () empower them to participate?

With just six years to go until the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, UN Women's new highlights gender equality trends and identifies six actions that could be game changers.

Almost ninety percent of the population of Gaza – 1.9 million people – have been displaced at least once by evacuation orders issued by Israeli Defense Forces, searching for something that does not exist: safety. The war in Gaza has rendered pregnancy unsafe for women. Ongoing hostilities, repeated evacuation orders, a breakdown in public order and safety, and the challenges of reaching people in need are preventing an effective humanitarian response. The United Nations Population Fund () and partners continue to provide support despite the insurmountable circumstances, but the only way to ensure that people have access to the basics to survive is with an immediate and sustained ceasefire.

International Equal Pay Day (18 September) represents the ongoing efforts to achieve equal pay for work of equal value and promote gender equality. Globally, women are paid around 20% less than men, and recognizing the importance of equal pay is crucial for human rights and empowerment. The UN and its agencies call on member states, civil society, businesses, and organizations to work towards equal pay for work of equal value and the economic empowerment of women and girls. The Sustainable Development Goals also emphasize the need to achieve gender equality and promote decent work for all.

After months of being repeatedly displaced around Gaza, Malak, 22, faced an uncertain three hour drive to reach the hospital when she went into labor.

Salma Akter Aduri’s family, potato farmers from Rangpur, Bangladesh, struggled to sell their cash crops at a profitable price. Facing dire circumstances, it looked like they would be forced to either give up their land or take high-interest loans from moneylenders, they joined the Birahim Farmer’s Cooperative, which received support through the Missing Middle Initiative. This initiative, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () and funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program ( worked with farmers to improve access to finance, markets, technology, and information.

Salma Akter Aduri’s family, potato farmers from Rangpur, Bangladesh, struggled to sell their cash crops at a profitable price. Facing dire circumstances, it looked like they would be forced to either give up their land or take high-interest loans from moneylenders, they joined the Birahim Farmer’s Cooperative, which received support through the Missing Middle Initiative. This initiative, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations () and funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program ( worked with farmers to improve access to finance, markets, technology, and information.

At the in East Jerusalem, young people interact with Q-Robot, which looks like a toy but teaches students about digital safety and addresses topics such as bullying and social media. The facility develops creative apps for digital literacy and well-being. The centre offers recreational and vocational activities to Palestinian youth in the West Bank, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (). Similar initiatives are also supported in Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, and Tunisia.

In the face of severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban, Afghan women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage. sheds light on their reality.

Women’s rights remain threatened over two decades after the  highlighted the issue. On 7 August, the Council will address “Women ����AV and Security” () amid the accelerated drawdown of peace operations, focusing on implementing the WPS agenda and ensuring gender equality during and after the reduction and termination of . Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and a civil society representative are expected to brief the Council.

Hear Esther* tell her terrifying story and see how UNFPA—the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency—is supporting the care she's receiving.